As an interdisciplinary cosmologist, Paul Von Ward works to synthesize recent discoveries in the fields of prehistory, archaeology, physics, biology, genetics and consciousness studies. His newest book (Our Solarian Legacy: Multidimensional Humans in A Self-Learning Universe, released by Hampton Roads Publishing in September 2001) reveals how the latest research points to a purposeful universe, one designed for experimentation and the testing of its own potential. He writes that humans as local manifestations of universal consciousness combine the roles of teacher and student, and have direct responsibility and accountability for the future contributions of this solar system to a larger galactic community. Paul's earlier book Solarian Legacy: Metascience & A New Renaissance brings together forgotten prehistory and perennial wisdom with recent scientific discoveries to describe a three-faceted universe-electromagnetic particles/waves, subtle energies, and consciousness. He believes a more complete understanding of human history and human powers will result in a global renaissance, a stellar era of human civilization. Paul is a multidiscipline and multilingual researcher and writer, with degrees from Florida State University (BA '61-Phi Beta Kappa-and MS '62) and Harvard (MPA '74). A U.S. Naval Officer (1962-65), he later served as a U.S. diplomat in France, Martinique, Sierra Leone, and the Dominican Republic (1966-73). In Washington D.C., Paul held government policy and management positions (1974-79) and headed the nonprofit Delphi International which he founded (1980-95).In addition to the above two books, Paul also authored Dismantling the Pyramid: Government by the People, an analysis of bureaucratic government and a blueprint for democratic reform. His articles on "frontier science and social change" appear regularly in U.S. And foreign publications. He is currently working on the book Gods, Genes, and Consciousness: The Emerging Human Story. - www.vonward.com